Wildfires sparked by outdoor equipment can be prevented

San Angelo, Texas -- Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments remind people operating equipment outdoors to be aware of current conditions to help reduce wildfires.

Over the past week, Texas A&M Forest Service firefighters responded to six wildfires ignited by equipment use.

Equipment use continues to be a major cause of wildfires. Each year, people using chainsaws, weed eaters, lawn mowers, welders, grinders, bulldozers, farm harvesting equipment, off-road vehicles and other equipment that generate sparks, start numerous fires.

People who use equipment on or near dry grass and brush are encouraged to take a few simple precautions to prevent wildfires:

Check blades, bearings and belts prior to use to ensure good working order.
Check brakes and tires for proper inflation and tire condition.
Check fire conditions for possible fire danger before you operate equipment.
Comply with any conditions or restrictions regarding equipment use in your area.
Do not park cars, trucks or recreational vehicles on dry vegetation. The exhaust system on a vehicle can reach a temperature of more than 1,000 degrees; it only takes about 500 degrees to start a wildfire in the summer.
Use an approved spark arrester on all internal combustion powered equipment.

For more information on current wildfire conditions, please visit the Texas Interagency Coordination Center website at https://ticc.tamu.edu.